With a very slick and shiny package, Crabbie’s pours like a lager, yellow and fizzy with a bright head. The first indication that it is not mainstream is the essence of exotic ginger on the nose. Though sweet like a soft drink, on the palate there is a pleasant acidic backbone that prevents it from being cloying. The brewer recommends it over ice garnished with lemon or lime. I liked it chilled. Not a great food beer, it would be delectable in a float, with ginger ice cream.- Charles Finkel

Let there be no doubt—this is a ginger man’s ginger beer! The alcohol at 4.8% seems to be an afterthought. Full of dried ginger (as opposed to fresh ginger) aroma and flavor. The effervescence is vibrant. Overall sweetness is highly suggestive of popular ginger ale soft drinks. Gentle warmth of ginger arouses the back of the throat. Quite a remarkable beverage. Not beer-tasting in the traditional sense. But if you love ginger ale, you’ll love this essay from Crabbie’s of Edinburgh.- Charlie Papazian

Charles FinkelFounder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie PapazianAuthor of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and National Beer Examiner at examiner.com. Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.